Copra is produced by drying coconut kernel, often under open-air or smoke-drying conditions in tropical climates with high ambient humidity. These conditions are conducive to Aspergillus mold growth and aflatoxin production before and during the oil extraction process. FDA enforces aflatoxin action levels for imported feed ingredients, and copra meal has a documented history of elevated aflatoxin findings; importers should require mycotoxin certificates from accredited laboratories and consider independent verification testing upon arrival.

Expeller-pressed copra meal retains residual fat of 6–10%, which increases energy density and imparts a characteristic coconut aroma that can affect palatability. Solvent-extracted copra meal is leaner (below 2% fat) and has a longer shelf life but lower energy content. For aquaculture diets, the residual lauric acid in expeller-pressed meal may offer antimicrobial benefits, while ruminant nutritionists often prefer the higher energy density of the expeller product.